There are between 60 and 70 species in the Northern Hemisphere that are a part of the Columbine family. Both its scientific name and most used common name are derivatives of Latin words. Aquilegia is from the word aquila meaning eagle, and Columbine is from columba meaning dove.
It’s believed that Columbine originated in parts of Asia and Eastern Europe and made its way to North America between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago by way of the Bering land bridge between what is now Siberia and Alaska.
McKana's Giant (Aquilegia x hybrida)
McKana’s Giants is a hybrid developed by the W. Atlee Burpee & Co. and became an All-America Selections winner in 1955. They’re known for their varying and bright color combinations. While the first year of blooms these flowers vary in size they’re perennials that can reach up to around 3 feet on their returns their second year.
Asian Columbine (Aquilegia oxysepala)
The plant most widely known as Asian or Chinese Columbine is also sometimes referred to as Oriental Columbine, although this term is outdated. It is found in several regions of Eastern Europe, despite its name. Its original range is believed to have been Northern Japan and Southeastern Siberia.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About These Plants
Columbines are hermaphrodites.
It’s also sometimes commonly called Granny’s Bonnet and less commonly Court Jester’s Cap.
Downy mildew began to spread at one of only two UK National Plant Collections of Aquilegia around 2014 and by 2018 the entire collection was wiped out.
Columbines are poisonous, especially the roots and seeds, however, Native American tribes and some European peoples consumed the flowers in somewhat safe small quantities. The practice in Sweden did come to a halt in the 1600s when Carl Linnaeus did the math and realized there was a pretty strong correlation between Columbine consumption and kids dying.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Perennial/Biennial
- Full sun-part shade
- Stratifucation? Yes. 8+ weeks
- Height up to 3ft. depending on species and variety
Germination in 20-50 days at 67F depending on species and variety
Direct sow outdoors in Fall/Winter/Early Spring. Plant on weed-free soil 4-10 weeks before your area’s last frost. Press seeds into the dirt but don’t cover them as they need light to germinate. For Spring planting refrigerate seeds placed in ziplock with slightly moist sand for at least 8 weeks before planting. You may need to take extra steps to increase germination. See Stratification & Germination: A Lame Kind of Witchcraft
✱ Have patience! Columbine is considered a biennial and depending on weather, region and season usually does not bloom the first year.
✱ Works well in containers.
✱ Columbine seeds and plants are toxic. Please take care with children and pets.
Images: © 98201 Seed All rights reserved
Asian Columbine. FD Richards, 2020.